Local governments are required, under the Washington State Shoreline Management Act of 1971 through Chapter 173-26 WAC, to develop and assign a land use categorization system of shoreline areas as a basis for effective shoreline master programs. The intent of designating a shoreline environment is to encourage development that will enhance the present or desired character of the shoreline. To accomplish this, segments of shoreline are given an environment designation based on existing development patterns, natural capabilities and limitations, and the aspiration of the local community.
Environment designations are applied to all of the city’s shoreline areas based upon habitat characterization, land use, and location of shoreline buffers. Within the city’s jurisdiction, these include: shoreline residential-1 (SR-1), shoreline residential-2 (SR-2), high intensity (HI), urban conservancy (UC), natural (N) and aquatic (A), as shown on the city’s adopted shoreline maps. The shoreline environment designations do not change or replace the underlying zoning of the affected properties, although they provide more specific requirements and limitations for shoreline uses and modifications in a manner similar to a zoning overlay. Management policies for each environment are in the city’s adopted shoreline master program policies and the comprehensive plan. The environment designations are as follows:
A.
Shoreline Residential (SR). The shoreline residential environment is intended to accommodate residential development consistent with the city’s shoreline management standards; protect ecological functions and natural habitat, and restoration when feasible; and provide public access and recreational uses, where appropriate. The shoreline residential environment is divided into two subdesignations: shoreline residential-1 (SR-1) and shoreline residential-2 (SR-2).
The shoreline residential-1 environment primarily includes those areas of the shorelands waterward of the established shoreline buffer, and/or on the water side of “buffer interruptions” such as major roads.
The shoreline residential-2 environment primarily includes those areas of the shorelands outside of the established shoreline buffer, and/or on the upland side of “buffer interruptions,” such as major roads. Within these areas, new residential development is permitted according to the applicable shoreline and zoning development standards, with an emphasis on transition from the preservation-oriented focus of SR-1 to adjacent residential development located outside of the shoreline jurisdiction.
Shoreline residential-1 includes the following areas:
1.
In the Fjord Drive planning segment, the areas of the shoreline residential environment located on the west (waterward) side of Fjord Drive.
2.
In the Front Street planning segment, areas of the shoreline residential environment that are located either west (waterward) of the shoreline buffer line or on the west (waterward) side of Front Street.
3.
In the western planning segment, the areas of the shoreline residential environment located east (waterward) of the one-hundred-foot shoreline buffer line.
Shoreline residential-2 includes the following areas:
1. | In the Fjord Drive planning segment, the areas of the shoreline residential environment located on the east side of Fjord Drive. |
2. | In the Front Street planning segment, areas of the shoreline residential environment that are located either east of the shoreline buffer line or on the east side of Front Street. |
3. | In the estuary planning segment, the areas of the shoreline residential environment located on the east side of Bond Road. |
4. | In the western planning segment, the areas of the shoreline residential environment located west of the one-hundred-foot shoreline buffer line |
B.
High Intensity (HI). The high intensity (HI) shoreline environment provides for those areas of existing moderate commercial and mixed commercial/residential development. This environment allows for optimum use of shoreline areas that are presently developed with commercial uses, while seeking opportunities to protect habitat and ecological functions from further degradation. The identified HI areas include the downtown waterfront and an area near the head of Liberty Bay.
C.
Urban Conservancy (UC). The urban conservancy (UC) shoreline environment preserves existing natural landforms and native shoreline vegetation as much as possible, while promoting public shoreline access, views and recreation along with continuance of existing developed uses. The UC designation applies to several shoreline properties located at the west side of the intersection of Lindvig Way and Bond Road, adjacent to the Dogfish Creek estuary.
D.
Natural (N). The natural (N) shoreline environment is established to protect and restore shoreline areas that are relatively free from human influence, undeveloped, and/or include intact or minimally degraded shoreline functions that are sensitive to proposed impacts from development. Natural areas within the city include the majority of Fish Park, West Poulsbo Waterfront Park, Net Shed Park, American Legion Park and Nelson Park, that are within zero to one hundred feet of the OHWM of Liberty Bay and/or the estuarine portion of Dogfish Creek.
E.
Aquatic (A). The aquatic (A) shoreline environment includes the water and lands waterward of the ordinary high water mark within the city’s jurisdiction, including public and private tidelands, state submerged lands, and areas designated as critical saltwater habitat, and the estuarine portion of Dog-fish Creek.
(Ord. 2012-10 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2012. Formerly 16.08.170; Ord. 2021-08 § 2 (Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 2021-13 § 2 (Exh. A), 2021)